In 1990 Michael van Straten and Barbara Griggs authored the book Superfoods which popularized the idea of preventing cancer and other ailments with nutrition by eating specific fruits, vegetables and seeds.

The superfoods have their supporters and critics. In The Daily Beast article "The Dangers of Superfoods", The Paleo Diet author Dr. Loren Cordain warns people to avoid some superfoods. Vogue Magazine quotes Cordain saying, "Goji berries are one of the most concentrated sources of dietary saponins - a chemical compound that increases the potential for intestinal permeability [leaky gut]." Nutritionist Petronella Ravenshear warns that kale may "interfere with thyroid function" if eaten raw. FULL POST

According to a recent survey of workers, 89% admitted they waste time daily during work time. In 2013 Forbes Magazine reported, "Millennials waste about 2 hours per day—an entire 40 hours a month!"

Social media websites -- Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram -- are the most obvious culprits for workplace distraction. Other bad influences include March Madness and pornography. Forbes also reported, "Nielsen has found that 25 percent of working adults admit to looking at pornography on a computer at work. And 70 percent of all online pornography access occurs between 9 AM and 5 PM."

This infographic reports the least productive workday is Friday and the hours of 3-5 pm are the most wasteful. Besides the internet, meetings and interacting with other employees are other major forms of workplace time wasting. FULL POST

One day Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say I am?" Peter responded, "You are the Messiah." - (Source: Mark 8:29)

The word "messiah" means "anointed one." Kings and prophets were anointed with oil. They were specially set apart for serving God. Jesus was set apart because he was without sin and could be the perfect sacrifice to take away our sin.

Hundreds of years before Jesus birth the prophet Isaiah gave us a list of names for Jesus, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - (Source: Isaiah 9:6)

This infographic from Zondervan goes into further detail to reveal who Jesus is.

While Congress has approved a minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, some states have established higher pay requirements. Politicians at the city, state and federal levels are attempting raise the minimum wage. President Obama has recommended an increase to $9.

According to The Boston Globe, "Twelve states and the District of Columbia will be considering minimum wage hikes this year through legislation or ballot initiatives."

Seattle's city council member Kshama Sawant is promoting a minimum wage of $15. Seattle TV station King 5 reports that Seattle's Mayor Ed Murray also supports this wage hike. Opposition to the measure also exists. Justin Boswell told the station, "It’s going to shut the door of opportunity on so many people."

How does America's minimum wage compare to other countries? This infographic shows what the minimum wage is for various countries and how that compares to the purchasing power of Americans. Even though Australia's minimum wage is $16, this money equals $9.77 in American spending.

I'm a fan of chocolate and I'm not alone. Chocolate cake and Hershey Kisses don't last long if I'm around. Even Cookie Monster knows that chocolate chip cookies are a classic.

The way I see it: Why drink coffee when there is such an awesome thing as hot chocolate?

Sadly we don't read about people eating chocolate in the Bible because it was native to Latin America. Still chocolate played a role in the religion of the Aztec and Mayan tribes. The Field Museum reports these Indians used cacao seeds in their religious ceremonies.

Cocoa beans go through a long process before we eat the delicious chocolate. This video and infographic show how chocolate is processed. FULL POST

Loneliness is a growing problem in America and around the world. Scientists report that loneliness is deadlier than obesity. Technology is part of the problem. Through Facebook and cell phones more people are interacting with others through impersonal means. As the following infographic notes, "Experts say it's not the quantity of social relationships but the quality that really matters."

Last year the BBC reported that 48% of British adults were lonely. Mervyn Kohler told the BBC, "We find fairly horrifying the number of elderly people who feel the TV is their best friend."

The Washington Post predicts the battle over gay marriage is shifting to federal courts. With the United States Supreme Court favoring gay marriage in California and a federal court ruling in favor of gay marriage in Utah, the gay marriage activists are likely to file more lawsuits challenging laws that ban gay marriage.

The following infographic provides shows where gay marriage is legal throughout the world. This is a recent development considering that 15 years ago there were no laws permitting gay marriage.

Brook Allen asks a very good question: "Will others benefit from your new year’s resolution—or will it only be you?"

Helping others is one of the top ten resolutions listed in the following infographic. I've been thinking about how I can help others and came up with two tasks that I will attempt in 2014. Perhaps you can join me.